Thermo-electric beverage container

ABSTRACT

A beverage container is provided herein. The beverage container may include a container body, a thermo-electric heat exchanger, and a conduction pipe. The container body may include an inner shell, a conduction wall, and a plurality of fins. The inner shell may define a fluid cavity. The conduction wall may be spaced apart from the fluid cavity outward along a radial direction. The plurality of fins may extend radially outward from the conduction wall. The thermo-electric heat exchanger may be mounted within the container body in thermal communication with the fluid cavity. The conduction pipe may extend from the thermo-electric heat exchanger within the container body. At least a portion of the conduction pipe may be positioned between the inner shell and the plurality of fins along the radial direction.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to beverage containers, and more particularly to beverage containers having one or more active elements for controlling the temperature within the beverage container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For beverage containers, such as cups or mugs, one of the challenges that exists is regulating the temperature of the contents (e.g., fluid or beverage) held within the container. In some instances, it may be preferable to keep or consume certain beverages at a temperature that is above or below the ambient temperature surrounding the container. However, the contents of most beverage containers will move toward a temperature equilibrium with the ambient environment, for instance, as heat is exchanged between the contents of the container and the ambient environment. Various designs and features have been developed to slow or counteract this heat exchange (i.e., keep the contents of a container hotter or colder than the ambient environment). Nonetheless, challenges still exist for beverage containers that are able to heat, cool, or maintain the temperature any fluid (e.g., beverage) therein.

Passive systems, such as vacuum-insulated beverage containers, are often used to maintain a fluid or beverage temperature within a container. Such systems may provide a desirable form-factor with relatively little additions in mass. However, since these passive systems are unable to actively add or draw heat to/from the contents of a container, their efficacy is necessarily limited. As an example, if the temperature of a beverage within the container is above the ambient temperature, the beverage temperature may only be able to decrease over time.

Some active systems exist for regulating the temperature within a beverage container through one or more electrical, chemical, or mechanically-motivated heat exchangers independent of the container contents. Nonetheless, these systems may present a number of undesirable drawbacks. For instance, such systems are often very fragile. Even a small impact or drop may cause the electrical, chemical, or mechanically-motivated heat exchanger (or another active component) to break. Oftentimes, the containers including these systems must be cleaned in a very delicate manner since the active component(s) may be damaged by fluid or moisture outside of the container. What's more, the active components can often wear out, becoming less effective or inoperable over time.

As a result, further improvements in the field of beverage containers. In particular, it would be advantageous to provide a beverage container that can actively regulate the temperature of fluids within the container, while addressing one or more of the problems identified above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a beverage container is provided. The beverage container may include a container body, a thermo-electric heat exchanger, and a conduction pipe. The container body may include an inner shell, a conduction wall, and a plurality of fins. The inner shell may define a fluid cavity. The conduction wall may be spaced apart from the fluid cavity outward along a radial direction. The plurality of fins may extend radially outward from the conduction wall. The thermo-electric heat exchanger may be mounted within the container body in thermal communication with the fluid cavity. The conduction pipe may extend from the thermo-electric heat exchanger within the container body. At least a portion of the conduction pipe may be positioned between the inner shell and the plurality of fins along the radial direction.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a beverage container is provided. The beverage container may include a container body, a thermo-electric heat exchanger, and a conduction pipe. The container body may include an inner shell, a conduction wall, and a plurality of fins. The inner shell may define a fluid cavity. The conduction wall may have an outer surface and an inner surface spaced apart from the fluid cavity outward along a radial direction. An insulation chamber is defined between the inner shell and the inner surface along the radial direction. The conduction pipe may extend from the thermo-electric heat exchanger within the container body. At least a portion of the conduction pipe may be positioned between the inner shell and the plurality of fins along the radial direction.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a beverage container according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary beverage container of FIG. 1, taken along the line 2-2.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective cross-sectional view of the exemplary beverage container of FIG. 1, taken along the line 3-3.

FIG. 4 provides a magnified, perspective, cross-sectional view of a portion of the exemplary beverage of FIG. 1 in a cooling configuration.

FIG. 5 provides a magnified, perspective, cross-sectional view of a portion of the exemplary beverage of FIG. 1 in a heating configuration.

FIG. 6 provides a schematic cross-sectional view of a beverage container and charging system according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to “A or B or both”). The phrase “in one embodiment,” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a beverage container 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 2 and 3 provide discrete cross-sectional views of beverage container 100 taken along the lines 2-2 and 3-3, respectively, of FIG. 1. As shown, beverage container 100 generally includes a container body 110 that defines a vertical direction V along which container body 110 extends (e.g., from a top end 112 to a bottom end 114). Additionally or alternatively, container body 110 may define a central axis A (e.g., parallel to the vertical direction V). A radial direction R may extend outward from the central axis A (e.g., perpendicular to the vertical direction V), while a circumferential direction C may be defined about the central axis A.

A removable lid 120 may be placed on container body 110 (e.g., at top end 112) where the removable lid 120 may move between an open position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) and a closed position (not pictured). The open position covering a fluid opening 122 (FIG. 3) defined by container body 110 and the closed position at least partially uncovering fluid opening 122 to permit a fluid (e.g., beverage) therethrough, as would be generally understood.

Turning especially to FIG. 2, container body 110 provides an inner shell 124 and a conduction wall 126, both of which may extend along the vertical direction V. At least a portion of both inner shell 124 and conduction wall 126 may be spaced apart from central axis A and each other along the radial direction R. Inner shell 124 is a solid (e.g., non-permeable) member that defines a fluid cavity 128 for the receipt and storage of a fluid volume (e.g., beverage). A sidewall 130 of inner shell 124 may generally extend about the central axis A along the circumferential direction C (according to any suitable shape). A bottom wall 132 of inner shell 124 may join sidewall 130 and extend across the central axis A (e.g., at a non-parallel angle relative to the central axis A). Fluid cavity 128 is in fluid communication with fluid opening 122, so the fluid volume may pass through fluid opening 122 as it is being placed into or removed from fluid cavity 128. Thus, fluid cavity 128 may provide an open volume into which a beverage may be placed and out of which the beverage may be poured. An inner surface 134 of inner shell 124 is directed toward the fluid cavity 128 (e.g., such that the fluid cavity 128 is defined along inner surface 134). An opposite outer surface 136 of inner shell 124 is directed away from fluid cavity 128.

When assembled, conduction wall 126 generally surrounds or extends about inner shell 124 (e.g., along the circumferential direction C and according to any suitable shape). Conduction wall 126 may be provided as solid (e.g., non-permeable member) formed from one or more suitable heat-conducting materials (e.g., aluminum, including alloys thereof). In some such embodiments, conduction wall 126 is coaxial to a portion of inner shell 124 (e.g., sidewall 130) and, optionally, the central axis A. As shown, conduction wall 126 includes an outer surface 146 and an inner surface 144 spaced apart from the fluid cavity 128 (e.g., outward along the radial direction R). A radial space may be defined between conduction wall 126 and inner shell 124. Within the radial space, container body 110 may define an insulation chamber 138. Optionally, one or more suitable thermal insulators (e.g., aerogel, air, etc.) may be disposed within insulation chamber 138 to thermally isolate inner shell 124 and conduction wall 126. Additionally or alternatively, insulation chamber 138 may provide a vacuum-insulated void between conduction wall 126 and inner shell 124.

In some embodiments, an intermediate wall 148 maintains a radial distance between conduction wall 126 and inner shell 124. For instance, intermediate wall 148 may extend radially from the inner surface 144 of conduction wall 126 to the outer surface 146 of inner shell 124. Optionally, intermediate wall 148 may be positioned at a top portion of conduction wall 126 (e.g., proximal to top end 112). Moreover, intermediate wall 148 may join conduction wall 126 to inner shell 124. As an example, in some embodiments, conduction wall 126 and inner shell 124 are formed together as an integral unitary member. Intermediate wall 148 may be a portion of the integral member extending in the radial direction R. As another example, in some embodiments, conduction wall 126 and inner shell 124 are separate attached members. Intermediate wall 148 may be a portion of conduction wall 126, a portion of inner shell 124, or a separate member fixed to conduction wall 126 or inner shell 124 by one or more suitable connectors, adhesives, bonds, etc.

In certain embodiments, one or more conductive fins 150 are provided on conduction wall 126. In particular, a plurality of fins 150 may extend outward from conduction wall 126 (e.g., along the radial direction R). For instance, as shown, the plurality of fins 150 may extend directly from conduction wall 126 (e.g., radially from the outer surface 146 of conduction wall 126) and toward the ambient environment opposite the insulation chamber 138 or fluid cavity 128. Optionally, the plurality of fins 150 may be integrally-formed as a unitary member with conduction wall 126 or, alternatively, as separate attached members joined to conduction wall 126. In some embodiments, each fin 150 extends linearly between top end 112 and bottom end 114. However, alternative embodiments may provide the fins 150 as another suitable shape. In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of fins 150 are each equally spaced (e.g., in parallel) along the circumferential direction C. In alternative embodiments, the spacing between the fins 150 along the circumferential direction C varies such that some adjacent pairs of fins 150 are positioned closer than other adjacent pairs of fins 150.

When assembled, the fins 150 may generally facilitate the heat exchange between conduction wall 126 and the surrounding or ambient environment. Thus, the fins 150 may be formed from one or more suitable heat-conducting materials (e.g., aluminum, including alloys thereof).

As shown in FIGS. 3 through 5, a thermo-electric heat exchanger (TEHE 160) is mounted within the container body 110. In particular, TEHE 160 is mounted in thermal communication with the fluid cavity 128. Generally, TEHE 160 may be any suitable solid state, electrically-driven heat exchanger, such as a Peltier device. TEHE 160 may include two distinct ends 164, 166 (i.e., a first heat exchange end 164 and a second heat exchange end 166). When activated, heat may be selectively directed between the ends 164, 166. In particular, a heat flux created between the junction of the ends 164, 166 may draw heat from one end to the other end (e.g., as driven by an electrical current). In some embodiments, TEHE 160 is operably coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to a controller 162, which may thus control the flow of current to TEHE 160.

In certain embodiments, operation of beverage container 100 (e.g., TEHE 160) is generally controlled by controller 162. Controller 162 may be operatively coupled (e.g., electrically coupled via one or more conductive signal lines, wirelessly coupled via one or more wireless communications bands, etc.) to a user interface. The user interface may be provided, for example, at a secondary device 170 or at a control pad (not pictured) directly attached to container body 110. Moreover, the user interface may provide for user manipulation to select a temperature at which fluid cavity 128 should be maintained. Controller 162 may thus be configured to direct various components (e.g., TEHE 160) of beverage container 100 to reach or maintain the desired temperature in response to user manipulation of user interface. Additionally or alternatively, controller 162 may be operatively coupled to one or more temperature sensors (e.g., thermocouple, thermistor, etc.—not pictured) positioned at a suitable location within container body 110 (e.g., in order to measure or determine a temperature within fluid cavity 128). In some such embodiments, controller 162 is configured to direct various components (e.g., TEHE 160) of beverage container 100 based on one or more measurements of the temperature sensor(s).

Controller 162 may include a memory (e.g., non-transitive storage media) and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 162 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. TEHE 160 and other components of beverage container 100 may be in communication with controller 162 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. User interface (e.g., secondary device 170) may be in communication (e.g., wireless communication) with controller 162 via one or more suitable shared networks.

It should be appreciated that secondary device 170 may correspond to any device that may be programmed to communicate controller 162 using one of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, or similar type of wireless communications technologies and networks while running a program that provides for user input. In this context, devices such as, but not limited to, smartphones, tablet devices, and standalone devices may be used to implement the present subject matter.

As noted above, TEHE 160 is mounted within container body 110. In some embodiments, TEHE 160 is further positioned within an unvented sealed chamber (e.g., electronics bay 172) that is fluidly isolated from fluid cavity 128 or the ambient environment. Optionally, the unvented sealed chamber (e.g., electronics bay 172) is defined at least in part by conduction wall 126. Advantageously, within the sealed chamber TEHE 160 may be shielded from fluid within fluid cavity 128 or the ambient environment. When assembled, one heat exchange end of TEHE 160 may be positioned on inner shell 124. For instance, first end 164 may contact the outer surface 136 of inner shell 124 (e.g., directly or through a suitable thermal paste/adhesive). In some such embodiments, TEHE 160 is positioned below inner shell 124 (e.g., in contact with bottom wall 132). However it is recognized that any other suitable location relative to inner shell 124 may be provided. For instance, TEHE 160 may be positioned against sidewall 130 at a location above bottom wall 132. In some such embodiments, TEHE 160 contacts sidewall 130 at a location proximate to opening 122 (e.g., at a location between inner shell 124 and conduction wall 126 along the radial direction R). Notably, natural convection may further accelerate cooling operations of TEHE 160 for fluid cavity 128 as relatively cool fluids within cavity 128 fall toward bottom wall 132 and relatively hot fluids rise.

As shown in FIGS. 2 through 6, one or more conduction pipes 174 are provided in thermal communication with TEHE 160. In particular, the conduction pipes 174 are mounted within container body 110. At least a portion of at least one conduction pipe 174 may be disposed on TEHE 160. For instance, second end 166 of TEHE 160 may contact conduction pipe 174 (e.g., directly or through a suitable thermal paste/adhesive). In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 2 through 6, conduction pipes 174 are positioned below TEHE 160, although another suitable location may be provided (e.g., depending on position of TEHE 160 within container body 110).

The conduction pipes 174 themselves are generally provided as thermally-conductive bodies formed from one or more suitable materials (e.g., copper or aluminum, including alloys thereof). In some embodiments, the conduction pipes 174 are heat pipes, as the term would be understood by one of ordinary skill. Thus, each conduction pipe 174 may form one or more sealed voids housing a fluid refrigerant therein. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the conduction pipes 174 are formed as solid conductive members such that no void or refrigerant is enclosed within the solid conduction pipe 174. For instance, a conduction pipe 174 may be a solid metal member (e.g., formed from copper or aluminum, including alloys thereof).

When assembled, one or more of the conduction pipes 174 may extend from TEHE 160 (e.g., in the radial direction R). In the illustrated embodiments, a radial portion of each conduction pipe 174 extends from TEHE 160 to conduction wall 126. Each conduction pipe 174 is in thermal communication with the outer surface 146 of conduction wall 126.

As shown, at least a portion of the conduction pipes 174 may be positioned between inner shell 124 and the outer surface 146 (e.g., along the radial direction R). For instance, at the conduction wall 126, one or more of the conduction pipes 174 may have a portion that extends axially along the conduction wall 126 (e.g., an axial portion perpendicular to the radial portion). Optionally, the axial portion of a conduction pipe 174 may be a linear member parallel to the vertical direction V, as shown. Alternatively, the axial portion may extend non-linearly relative to the axial direction A (e.g., as a curved, serpentine, or helical member).

Some or all of the axial portion of a conduction pipe 174 may be enclosed within the conduction wall 126. For instance, as shown in the embodiments of FIG. 2 through 6, the axial portion of each conduction pipe 174 may be embedded within conduction wall 126 between the inner surface 144 and the outer surface 146. Thus, the axial portion of each conduction pipe 126 is in conductive thermal communication with outer surface 146. Other embodiments may position the axial portion of conduction pipes 174 directly along the inner surface 144 (e.g., along a groove formed by the inner surface 144), while remaining in conductive thermal communication with the outer surface 146.

According to the desired operation of beverage container 100, TEHE 160 may be provided in a heating or cooling configuration with conduction pipes 174 and container body 110.

As shown in the exemplary embodiments, of FIG. 4, TEHE 160 may be provided in a heating configuration. Thus, when active, the first end 164 of TEHE 160 may be maintained at a lower temperature than the second end 166 of TEHE 160. As indicated by arrows 180, heat may be directed from the fluid cavity 128 of the inner shell 124 to the first end 164 of TEHE 160. Heat 180 may be subsequently motivated through TEHE 160 to second end 166 and conduction pipes 174. From conduction pipes 174, heat 180 may be carried to container body 110, where it may be dissipated to the ambient environment from the fins 150.

In contrast to the heating configuration, and as shown in the exemplary embodiments of FIG. 5, TEHE 160 may alternatively be provided in a cooling configuration. Thus, when active, the first end 164 of TEHE 160 may be maintained at a higher temperature than the second end 166 of TEHE 160. As indicated by arrows 180, heat may be directed to the beverage container 100 from the container body 110 (e.g., as absorbed at conduction wall fins 150). From container body 110, heat 180 may be drawn to the second end 166 of TEHE 160 through conduction pipes 174. Heat 180 at conduction pipes 160 may be motivated to the inner shell 124 and fluid cavity 128 successively through the second end 166 and first end 164 of TEHE 160.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a direct-current power source 182 (e.g., battery) may be provided within beverage container 100 (e.g., to power operations thereof). For instance, direct-current power source 182 may be positioned within the unvented electronics bay 172 in electrical communication with TEHE 160. Optionally, controller 162 may also be in electrical communication with direct-current power source 182.

In exemplary embodiments, direct-current power source 182 is a rechargeable battery formed of, for instance, lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), etc. In some such embodiments, a battery charger 184 is provided to selectively recharge direct-current power source 182 when operably coupled therewith. For instance, battery charger 184 may be provided as a pair of matched induction coils 186, 188. A first induction coil 186 may be mounted or fixed to beverage container 100 (e.g., within unvented electronics bay 172) and, thereby, moves with container body 110. A second induction coil 188 may be mounted or fixed to a discrete charging mat 190 separate from beverage container 100. As illustrated, second induction coil 188 may initiate an electromagnetic field to be transmitted therefrom. The transmitted electromagnetic field may then be received by the first induction coil 186 (i.e., when inductively coupled thereto). In the charging position of FIG. 6, the matched induction coils 186, 188 may be aligned (e.g., vertically aligned), such that the second induction coil 188 is inductively coupled to first induction coil 186.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A beverage container comprising: a container body defining a vertical direction and a radial direction, the container body comprising an inner shell defining a fluid cavity, a conduction wall spaced apart from the fluid cavity outward along the radial direction, and a plurality of fins extending radially outward from the conduction wall; a thermo-electric heat exchanger mounted within the container body in thermal communication with the fluid cavity; and a conduction pipe extending from the thermo-electric heat exchanger within the container body, at least a portion of the conduction pipe being positioned between the inner shell and the plurality of fins along the radial direction.
 2. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the at least portion of the conduction pipe is enclosed within the conduction wall in conductive thermal communication with the plurality of fins.
 3. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the conduction pipe extends from thermo-electric heat exchanger along the radial direction to the conduction wall.
 4. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein an insulation chamber is defined between the inner shell and the conduction wall along the radial direction.
 5. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein an unvented electronics bay is defined within the container body, the unvented electronics bay being fluidly isolated from the fluid cavity.
 6. The beverage container of claim 5, further comprising a direct-current power source positioned within the unvented electronics bay in electrical communication with the thermo-electric heat exchanger.
 7. The beverage container of claim 5, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger is positioned within the unvented electronics bay.
 8. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger comprises a first heat exchange end and a second heat exchange end between which heat is selectively directed, wherein the first heat exchange end is positioned in contact with the inner shell, and wherein the second heat exchange end is positioned in contact with the conduction pipe.
 9. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger is positioned below the inner shell along the vertical direction.
 10. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger is a Peltier device.
 11. A beverage container comprising: a container body defining a vertical direction and a radial direction, the container body comprising an inner shell defining a fluid cavity, and a conduction wall having an outer surface and an inner surface spaced apart from the fluid cavity outward along the radial direction, wherein an insulation chamber is defined between the inner shell and the inner surface along the radial direction; a thermo-electric heat exchanger mounted within the container body in thermal communication with the fluid cavity; and a conduction pipe extending from the thermo-electric heat exchanger within the container body, at least a portion of the conduction pipe being positioned between the inner shell and the outer surface along the radial direction.
 12. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the at least portion of the conduction pipe is enclosed within the conduction wall in conductive thermal communication with the outer surface.
 13. The beverage container of claim 12, wherein the container body further comprises a plurality of fins extending radially outward from the conduction wall.
 14. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the conduction pipe extends from thermo-electric heat exchanger along the radial direction to the conduction wall.
 15. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein an unvented electronics bay is defined within the container body, the unvented electronics bay being fluidly isolated from the fluid cavity.
 16. The beverage container of claim 15, further comprising a direct-current power source positioned within the unvented electronics bay in electrical communication with the thermo-electric heat exchanger.
 17. The beverage container of claim 15, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger is positioned within the unvented electronics bay.
 18. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger comprises a first heat exchange end and a second heat exchange end between which heat is selectively directed, wherein the first heat exchange end is positioned in contact with the inner shell, and wherein the second heat exchange end is positioned in contact with the conduction pipe.
 19. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger is positioned below the inner shell along the vertical direction.
 20. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger is a Peltier device. 